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Series gets closer to original target
Bone-rattling beauty to the action
With the exception of X-Men, no film franchise’s time line has been messed about with as much as Terminator’s.
And as well as needing a PHD to try and explain developments since the first two movies, audiences and critics have greeted each entry since with increasing apathy and frustration.
As a result, excitement levels for Dark Fate were minimal, especially as we’d been given the “this is the best one since Judgment Day” and “oh, but James Cameron is heavily involved this time” spiel ahead of the substandard Genisys’ 2015 release.
Thankfully, this sixth outing improves on its three immediate predecessors – but still falls way short of the seminal first two flicks.
Incredibly this is only the second film directed by Tim Miller; however, given his debut was comic book hit Deadpool, he has already busted a few blocks.
One thing Dark Fate nails is its setpieces; mixing practical and digital effects, there’s a bone-rattling beauty and intensity to the action rarely seen since T2.
Callbacks to that first sequel abound – not least in the fact the script, which included contributions from no fewer than six writers, treats the last three entries like they don’t exist.
There’s also a return for Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor who, while in great physical shape, is outshone by the fantastic Mackenzie Davis (Grace) and Natalia Reyes (Dani).
Gabriel Luna’s antagonist is a dangerous upgrade on T2’s T- 1000 and the mix of desert dust and sleek silver-coated colour palettes screams Judgment Day homage.
But what of Arnie? Back again – for a fifth time – he’s at his best in the role since T2; grizzled and reflective, the 73-year-old also stays mostly clear of the ill-advised comedic moments found in Rise of the Machines and Genisys.
Like the previous two outings the climax hints at more to come – and while
I hope there is, as Dark Fate sees the Terminator franchise on its soundest footing in decades, its poor box office takings suggest this really could be the end of the road.
● What are your thoughts on Dark Fate and how does it compare to the rest of the Terminator series?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@ reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.